Machine Learning-Based Prediction of Responsiveness to Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotheapy in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer Patients from Endomicroscopy.

The protocol for treating locally advanced rectal cancer consists of the application of chemoradiotherapy (neoCRT) followed by surgical intervention. One issue for clinical oncologists is predicting the efficacy of neoCRT in order to adjust the dosage and avoid treatment toxicity in cases when surgery should be conducted promptly. Biomarkers may be used for this purpose along with in vivo cell-level images of the colorectal mucosa obtained by probe-based confocal laser endomicroscopy (pCLE) during colonoscopy. The aim of this article is to report our experience with Motiro, a computational framework that we developed for machine learning (ML) based analysis of pCLE videos for predicting neoCRT response in locally advanced rectal cancer patients. pCLE videos were collected from 47 patients who were diagnosed with locally advanced rectal cancer (T3/T4, or N+). The patients received neoCRT. Response to treatment by all patients was assessed by endoscopy along with biopsy and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Thirty-seven patients were classified as non-responsive to neoCRT because they presented a visible macroscopic neoplastic lesion, as confirmed by pCLE examination. Ten remaining patients were considered responsive to neoCRT because they presented lesions as a scar or small ulcer with negative biopsy, at post-treatment follow-up. Motiro was used for batch mode analysis of pCLE videos. It automatically characterized the tumoral region and its surroundings. That enabled classifying a patient as responsive or non-responsive to neoCRT based on pre-neoCRT pCLE videos. Motiro classified patients as responsive or non-responsive to neoCRT with an accuracy of ~ 0.62 when using images of the tumor. When using images of regions surrounding the tumor, it reached an accuracy of ~ 0.70. Feature analysis showed that spatial heterogeneity in fluorescence distribution within regions surrounding the tumor was the main contributor to predicting response to neoCRT. We developed a computational framework to predict response to neoCRT by locally advanced rectal cancer patients based on pCLE images acquired pre-neoCRT. We demonstrate that the analysis of the mucosa of the region surrounding the tumor provides stronger predictive power.

Feasibility and Colonoscopy Yield Using the Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)-Based Colorectal Cancer Screening in a Latin America Country.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Organized colorectal cancer (CRC) screening is not widely practiced in Latin America and the results of regional studies may help overcome barriers for implementation of national screening programs. We aimed to describe the implementation and findings of a fecal immunochemical test (FIT)-based program in Brazil. METHODS: In a prospective population-based study, asymptomatic individuals (50-75 years old) from Sao Paulo city were invited to undergo FIT for CRC screening. Participants with positive FIT (≥10 µg Hb/g feces) were referred for colonoscopy. Subjects were classified into groups according to the presence of CRC, precursor lesions, and other benign findings, possibly related to bleeding. RESULTS: Of a total of 9881 subjects, 7.8% had positive FIT and colonoscopy compliance was 68.9% (n = 535). Boston scale was considered adequate in 99% and cecal intubation rate was 99.4%. CRC was diagnosed in 5.9% of the cases, adenoma in 63.2%, advanced adenoma in 31.4%, and advanced neoplasia in 33.0%. Age was positively associated with CRC (P = .03). Higher FIT concentrations were associated with increased detection of CRC (P < .008), advanced adenoma (P < .001), and advanced neoplasia (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of a FIT-based CRC screening program was feasible in a low-resource setting, and there was a high yield for neoplasia in individuals with a positive FIT. This approach could be used as a model to plan and disseminate organized CRC screening more broadly in Brazil and Latin America.

Implementation of an organized colorectal cancer screening program through quantitative fecal immunochemical test followed by colonoscopy in an urban low-income community: Guidance and strategies.

Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) followed by a colonoscopy is an efficacious strategy to improve the adenoma detection rate and Colorectal Cancer (CRC). There is no organized national screening program for CRC in Brazil. The aim of this research was to describe the implementation of an organized screening program for CRC through FIT followed by colonoscopy, in an urban low-income community of São Paulo city. The endpoints of the study were: FIT participation rate, FIT positivity rate, colonoscopy compliance rate, Positive Predictive Values (PPV) for adenoma and CRC, and the rate of complications. From May 2016 to October 2019, asymptomatic individuals, 50-75 years old, received a free kit to perform the FIT. Positive FIT (≥ 50 ng/mL) individuals were referred to colonoscopy. 10,057 individuals returned the stool sample for analysis, of which (98.2%) 9,881 were valid. Women represented 64.8% of the participants. 55.3% of individuals did not complete elementary school. Positive FIT was 7.8% (776/9881). The colonoscopy compliance rate was 68.9% (535/776). There were no major colonoscopy complications. Adenoma were detected in 63.2% (332/525) of individuals. Advanced adenomatous lesions were found in 31.4% (165/525). CRC was diagnosed in 5.9% (31/525), characterized as adenocarcinoma: in situ in 3.2% (1/31), intramucosal in 29% (9/31), and invasive in 67.7% (21/31). Endoscopic treatment with curative intent for CRC was performed in 45.2% (14/31) of the cases. Therefore, in an urban low-income community, an organized CRC screening using FIT followed by colonoscopy ensued a high participation rate, and high predictive positive value for both, adenoma and CRC.

A Sessile Serrated Lesion Overlying a Submucosal Colonic Lipoma: An Endoscopic Rarity Identified Using Artificial Intelligence.

BACKGROUND Lipomas are benign, slow-growing mesenchymal neoplasms, more prevalent in females, with a peak incidence in the fifth to sixth decades of life. Generally, due to their low clinical relevance, they receive little attention in the literature. Uncommon in the colon, lipomas are most often identified as an incidentaloma in asymptomatic patients during colonoscopy, and overlapping with epithelial lesions is a rare finding. Serrated polyps used to be considered as hyperplastic polyps without any malignant potential; however, currently, the serrated pathway accounts for one-third of all colorectal cancers. Here, we describe a rare case of a sessile serrated lesion on a submucosal lipoma identified with the aid of artificial intelligence. CASE REPORT A 60-year-old woman underwent screening colonoscopy for colorectal cancer after a positive fecal immunochemical test. A high-definition colonoscopy with the aid of artificial intelligence (Fujifilm CAD EYE) was performed. A flat lesion at the right colon was diagnosed with white-light endoscopy simultaneously identified by artificial intelligence, which classified the lesion as hyperplastic. Resection was performed through mucosectomy, and a sign of naked fat was observed at the base of the resected lesion. Histopathology of the specimen characterized a submucosal lipoma associated with a sessile serrated lesion. CONCLUSIONS We describe a rare case of sessile serrated lesion on a colon lipoma, identified with the aid of artificial intelligence. We carried out a brief literature review and discussed the main findings and aspects related to the literature.

The Role of Probe-Based Confocal Laser Endomicroscopy (pCLE) in the Diagnosis of Sustained Clinical Complete Response Under Watch-and-Wait Strategy After Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy for Locally Advanced Rectal Adenocarcinoma: a Score Validation.

BACKGROUND: Watch-and-wait strategy has been increasingly accepted for patients with clinical complete response (cCR) after multimodal treatment for locally advanced rectal adenocarcinoma. Close follow-up is essential to the early detection of local regrowth. It was previously demonstrated that probe-based confocal laser endomicroscopy (pCLE) scoring using the combination of epithelial and vascular features might improve the diagnostic accuracy of cCR. AIM: To validate the pCLE scoring system in the assessment of patients with cCR after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRxt) for advanced rectal adenocarcinoma. METHODS: Digital rectal examination, pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and pCLE were performed in 43 patients with cCR, who presented either a scar (N = 33; 76.7%) or a small ulcer with no signs of tumor, and/or biopsy negative for malignancy (N = 10; 23.3%). RESULTS: Twenty-five (58.1%) patients were men, and the mean age was 58.4 years. During the follow-up, 12/43 (27.9%) patients presented local regrowth and underwent salvage surgery. There was an association between pCLE diagnostic scoring and final histological report (for patients who underwent surgical resection) or final diagnosis at the latest follow-up (p = 0.0001), while this association was not observed with MRI (p = 0.49). pCLE sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy were 66.7%, 93.5%, 80%, 88.9%, and 86%, respectively. MRI sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy were 66.7%, 48.4%, 66.7%, 78.9%, and 53.5%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: pCLE scoring system based on epithelial and vascular features improved the diagnosis of sustained cCR and might be recommended during follow-up. pCLE might add some valuable contribution for identifying local regrowth. Trial Registration This protocol was registered at the Clinical Trials (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02284802).

Endoscopic Imaging for the Diagnosis of Neoplastic and Pre-Neoplastic Conditions of the Stomach.

Gastric cancer is an aggressive disease with low long-term survival rates. An early diagnosis is essential to offer a better prognosis and curative treatment. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is the main tool for the screening and diagnosis of patients with gastric pre-neoplastic conditions and early lesions. Image-enhanced techniques such as conventional chromoendoscopy, virtual chromoendoscopy, magnifying imaging, and artificial intelligence improve the diagnosis and the characterization of early neoplastic lesions. In this review, we provide a summary of the currently available recommendations for the screening, surveillance, and diagnosis of gastric cancer, focusing on novel endoscopy imaging technologies.

Impact of radiotherapy on adverse events of self-expanding metallic stents in patients with esophageal cancer.

Self-expanding metallic stents (SEMS) are considered the treatment of choice for the palliation of dysphagia and fistulas in inoperable esophageal neoplasms. However, the safety of SEMSs in patients who received or who will be submitted to radiotherapy (RT) is uncertain. The study aimed to evaluate the impact of RT on adverse events (AEs) in patients with esophageal cancer with SEMSs. This is a retrospective study conducted at a tertiary cancer hospital from 2009 to 2018. We collected information regarding RT, the histological type of the tumor, the model of SEMSs and AEs after stent placement. Three hundred twenty-three patients with malignant stenosis or fistula were treated with SEMSs. The predominant histological type was squamous cell carcinoma (79.6%). A total of 282 partially covered and 41 fully covered SEMSs were inserted. Of the 323 patients, 182 did not received RT, 118 received RT before SEMS placement and 23 after. Comparing the group that received RT before stent insertion with the group that did not, the first one presented a higher frequency of severe pain (9/118 7.6% vs. 3/182 1.6%; P = 0.02). The group treated with RT after stent placement had a higher risk of global AEs (13/23 56.5% vs. 63/182 34.6%; P = 0.019), ingrowth/overgrowth (6/23 26.1% vs. 21/182 11.5%; P = 0.045) and gastroesophageal reflux (2/23 8.7% vs. 2/182 1.1%; P = 0.034). Treatment with RT before stent placement in patients with inoperable esophageal neoplasm prolongs survival and is associated with an increased risk of severe chest pain. Treatment with RT of patients with an esophageal stent increases the frequency of minor, not life-threatening AEs.

Economic evaluations of colorectal cancer screening: A systematic review and quality assessment.

Colorectal Cancer (CRC) is the third most common type of cancer worldwide and ranks second in mortality. Screening programs for early detection and treatment have been implemented in several countries. Economic evaluations are an important tool to support decision-making about reimbursement and coverage decisions in health systems and, therefore, to support efficient resource allocation. The article aims to review the up-to-date evidence on economic evaluations of CRC screening strategies. MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, SCOPUS, SciELO, Lilacs, CRD databases, and lists of references were reviewed to identify relevant literature regarding full economic evaluations of CRC screening in asymptomatic average-risk individuals over 40 years old. Searches were conducted with no restriction to language, setting, or date. Qualitative syntheses described CRC screening strategies and comparators (baseline context), study designs, key parameter inputs and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios. Seventy-nine articles were included. Most of the studies were from high-income countries and a third-party payer perspective. Markov models were predominantly used, although microsimulation has been increasingly adopted in the last 15 years. The authors found 88 different screening strategies for CRC, which differed in the type of technique, the interval of screening, and the strategy, i.e., isolated or combined. The annual fecal immunochemical test was the most predominant screening strategy. All studies reported cost-effective results in their scenarios compared to no screening scenarios. One-quarter of the publications reported cost-saving results. It is still necessary to develop future economic evaluations in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs), which account for the high burden of disease.

Neurotuberculosis in a Patient with Ulcerative Colitis Using Long-Term Adalimumab: A Rare Case.

BACKGROUND Tuberculosis (TB), a global public health problem, is a disease with a high incidence and prevalence worldwide. The risk of developing TB increases after starting anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy in the management of ulcerative colitis (UC). Isolated neurotuberculosis (NTB) without other manifestations is a rare form of infection in these patients. This article reports a case of a severe UC patient with isolated NTB following long-term therapy with adalimumab and discusses the clinical aspects, diagnosis, management, and prognosis. CASE REPORT A 34-year-old female patient with severe UC with pancolitis reported continuous and progressive holocranial headaches associated with a daily fever of 38°C and night sweats after 4 years of using adalimumab and after being in deep remission. Annually, she was screened for latent TB with chest X-rays and a Mantoux tuberculin skin test, and she always had negative results for TB. On cerebral magnetic resonance imaging with post-contrast sequences, small cortical lesions in the left frontal lobe and 2 larger lesions were visualized and were suggestive of tuberculomas. The initial management consisted of the suspension of immunosuppressive therapy and treatment with rifampicin, isoniazid, ethambutol, pyrazinamide, and prednisone. The patient showed clinical and neurological improvement and was clinically asymptomatic, with no changes in laboratory tests. Also, she had no neurological sequelae and was taking maintenance therapy with prednisone as indicated by the neurologist. CONCLUSIONS Early recognition of symptoms of neurological involvement of TB, suspension of anti-TNF and adequate treatment are fundamental steps to prevent complications.

Impact of a Routine Colorectal Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection in the Surgical Management of Nonmalignant Colorectal Lesions Treated in a Referral Cancer Center.

BACKGROUND: Recent data show an increasing number of abdominal surgeries being performed for the treatment of nonmalignant colorectal polyps in the West but in settings in which colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection is not routinely performed. This study evaluated the number of nonmalignant colorectal lesions referred to surgical treatment in a tertiary cancer center that incorporated magnification chromoendoscopy and endoscopic submucosal dissection as part of the standard management of complex colorectal polyps. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to estimate the number of patients with nonmalignant colorectal lesions referred to surgical resection at our institution after the standardization of routine endoscopic submucosal dissection and to describe outcomes for patients undergoing colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection. DESIGN: Single-center retrospective study from a prospectively collected database of endoscopic submucosal dissections and colorectal surgeries performed between January 2016 and December 2019. SETTING: Reference cancer center. PATIENTS: Consecutive adult patients with complex nonmalignant colorectal polyps were included. INTERVENTIONS: Patients with nonmalignant colorectal polyps were treated by endoscopic submucosal dissection or surgery (elective colectomy, rectosigmoidectomy, low anterior resection, or proctocolectomy). MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES: The primary outcome measure was the percentage of patients referred to colorectal surgery for nonmalignant lesions. RESULTS: In the study period, 1.1% of 825 colorectal surgeries were performed for nonmalignant lesions, and 97 complex polyps were endoscopically removed by endoscopic submucosal dissection. The en bloc, R0, and curative resection rates of endoscopic submucosal dissection were 91.7%, 83.5%, and 81.4%, respectively. The mean tumor size was 59 (SD 37.8) mm. Perforations during endoscopic submucosal dissection occurred in 3 cases, all treated with clipping. One patient presented with a delayed perforation 2 days after the endoscopic resection and underwent surgery. The mean follow-up period was 3 years, with no tumor recurrence in this cohort. LIMITATIONS: Single-center retrospective study. CONCLUSIONS: A workflow that includes assessment of the lesions with magnification chromoendoscopy and resection through endoscopic submucosal dissection can lead to a very low rate of abdominal surgery for nonmalignant colorectal lesions. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/C123 . IMPACTO DE LA DISECCIN SUBMUCOSA ENDOSCPICA COLORRECTAL DE RUTINA EN EL MANEJO QUIRRGICO DE LESIONES COLORRECTALES NO MALIGNAS TRATADAS EN UN CENTRO ONCOLGICO DE REFERENCIA: ANTECEDENTES:Datos recientes muestran un número cada vez mayor de cirugías abdominales realizadas para el tratamiento de pólipos colorrectales no malignos en Occidente, pero no en los entornos donde la disección submucosa endoscópica colorrectal se realiza de forma rutinaria. El estudio evaluó el número de lesiones colorrectales no malignas referidas a tratamiento quirúrgico en un centro oncológico terciario, que incorporó cromoendoscopia de aumento y disección submucosa endoscópica como parte del manejo estándar de pólipos colorrectales complejos.OBJETIVO:Estimar el número de pacientes con lesiones colorrectales no malignas referidos para resección quirúrgica en nuestra institución, después de la estandarización de la disección submucosa endoscópica de rutina y describir los resultados para los pacientes sometidos a disección submucosa endoscópica colorrectal.DISEÑO:Estudio retrospectivo de un solo centro, a partir de una base de datos recolectada prospectivamente de disecciones submucosas endoscópicas y cirugías colorrectales realizadas entre enero de 2016 y diciembre de 2019.AJUSTE:Centro oncológico de referencia.PACIENTES:Pacientes adultos consecutivos con pólipos colorrectales no malignos complejos.INTERVENCIONES:Pacientes con pólipos colorrectales no malignos tratados mediante disección submucosa endoscópica o cirugía (colectomía electiva, rectosigmoidectomía, resección anterior baja o proctocolectomía).PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:La medida de resultado primario fue el porcentaje de pacientes remitidos a cirugía colorrectal por lesiones no malignas.RESULTADOS:En el período, 1,1% de 825 cirugías colorrectales fueron realizadas por lesiones no malignas y 97 pólipos complejos fueron extirpados por. disección submucosa endoscópica. Las tasas de resección en bloque, R0 y curativa de disección submucosa endoscópica fueron 91,7%, 83,5% y 81,4%, respectivamente. El tamaño tumoral medio fue de 59 (DE 37,8) mm. Se produjeron perforaciones durante la disección submucosa endoscópica en 3 casos, todos tratados con clipaje. Un paciente presentó una perforación diferida 2 días después de la resección endoscópica y fue intervenido quirúrgicamente. El seguimiento medio fue de 3 años, sin recurrencia tumoral en esta cohorte.LIMITACIONES:Estudio retrospectivo de un solo centro.CONCLUSIONES:Un flujo de trabajo que incluye la evaluación de las lesiones con cromoendoscopia de aumento y resección a través de disección submucosa endoscópica, puede conducir a una tasa muy baja de cirugía abdominal para lesiones colorrectales no malignas. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/C123 . (Traducción-Dr. Fidel Ruiz Healy ).

Underwater versus conventional EMR for nonpedunculated colorectal lesions: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Conventional endoscopic mucosal resection (CEMR) is the standard modality for removing nonpedunculated colorectal lesions. Underwater endoscopic mucosal resection (UEMR) has emerged as an alternative method. There are few comparative studies between these techniques, especially evaluating recurrence. Therefore, the purpose of this trial was to compare CEMR and UEMR for the resection of colorectal lesions with respect to efficacy, safety, and recurrence rate. METHODS: This was a randomized controlled trial of UEMR versus CEMR for naïve and nonpedunculated lesions measuring between 10 and 40 mm. The primary outcome was adenoma recurrence at 6 months after the resection. Secondary outcomes were rates of technical success, en bloc resection, and adverse events. Block randomization was used to assign patients. Tattooing was performed to facilitate localization of the scars and eventual recurrences. Endoscopic follow-up was scheduled at 6 months after the procedure. The sites of resections were examined with white-light imaging, narrow-band imaging (NBI), and conventional chromoscopy with indigo carmine followed by biopsies. RESULTS: One hundred five patients with 120 lesions were included, with a mean size of 17.5 ± 7.1 (SD) mm. Sixty-one lesions were resected by UEMR and 59 by CEMR. The groups were similar at baseline regarding age, sex, average size, and histologic type. Lesions in the proximal colon in the CEMR group corresponded to 83% and in the UEMR group to 67.8% (P = .073). There was no difference between groups regarding success rate (1 failure in each group) and en bloc resection rate (60.6% UEMR vs 54.2% CEMR, P = .48). Intraprocedural bleeding was observed in 5 CEMRs (8.5%) and 2 UEMRs (3.3%) (P = .27). There was no perforation or delayed hemorrhage in either groups. Recurrence rate was higher in the CEMR arm (15%) than in the UEMR arm (2%) (P = .031). Therefore, the relative risk of 6-month recurrence rate in the CEMR group was 7.5-fold higher (95% CI, 0.98-58.20), with a number needed to treat of 7.7 (95% CI, 40.33-4.22). The higher recurrence rate in the CEMR group persisted only for lesions measuring 21 to 40 mm (35.7% vs 0%; P = .04). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that UEMR was associated with a lower adenoma recurrence rate than was CEMR. Both endoscopic techniques were effective and had similar rates of adverse events for the treatment of nonpedunculated colorectal lesions.

Economic evaluations of colorectal cancer screening: A systematic review and quality assessment

Abstract Colorectal Cancer (CRC) is the third most common type of cancer worldwide and ranks second in mortality. Screening programs for early detection and treatment have been implemented in several countries. Economic evaluations are an important tool to support decision-making about reimbursement and coverage decisions in health systems and, therefore, to support efficient resource allocation. The article aims to review the up-to-date evidence on economic evaluations of CRC screening strategies. MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, SCOPUS, SciELO, Lilacs, CRD databases, and lists of references were reviewed to identify relevant literature regarding full economic evaluations of CRC screening in asymptomatic average-risk individuals over 40 years old. Searches were conducted with no restriction to language, setting, or date. Qualitative syntheses described CRC screening strategies and comparators (baseline context), study designs, key parameter inputs and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios. Seventy-nine articles were included. Most of the studies were from high-income countries and a third-party payer perspective. Markov models were predominantly used, although microsimulation has been increasingly adopted in the last 15 years. The authors found 88 different screening strategies for CRC, which differed in the type of technique, the interval of screening, and the strategy, i.e., isolated or combined. The annual fecal immunochemical test was the most predominant screening strategy. All studies reported cost-effective results in their scenarios compared to no screening scenarios. One-quarter of the publications reported cost-saving results. It is still necessary to develop future economic evaluations in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs), which account for the high burden of disease.

Implementation of an organized colorectal cancer screening program through quantitative fecal immunochemical test followed by colonoscopy in an urban low-income community: Guidance and strategies

Abstract Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) followed by a colonoscopy is an efficacious strategy to improve the adenoma detection rate and Colorectal Cancer (CRC). There is no organized national screening program for CRC in Brazil. The aim of this research was to describe the implementation of an organized screening program for CRC through FIT followed by colonoscopy, in an urban low-income community of São Paulo city. The endpoints of the study were: FIT participation rate, FIT positivity rate, colonoscopy compliance rate, Positive Predictive Values (PPV) for adenoma and CRC, and the rate of complications. From May 2016 to October 2019, asymptomatic individuals, 50-75 years old, received a free kit to perform the FIT. Positive FIT (≥ 50 ng/mL) individuals were referred to colonoscopy. 10,057 individuals returned the stool sample for analysis, of which (98.2%) 9,881 were valid. Women represented 64.8% of the participants. 55.3% of individuals did not complete elementary school. Positive FIT was 7.8% (776/9881). The colonoscopy compliance rate was 68.9% (535/776). There were no major colonoscopy complications. Adenoma were detected in 63.2% (332/525) of individuals. Advanced adenomatous lesions were found in 31.4% (165/525). CRC was diagnosed in 5.9% (31/525), characterized as adenocarcinoma: in situ in 3.2% (1/31), intramucosal in 29% (9/31), and invasive in 67.7% (21/31). Endoscopic treatment with curative intent for CRC was performed in 45.2% (14/31) of the cases. Therefore, in an urban low-income community, an organized CRC screening using FIT followed by colonoscopy ensued a high participation rate, and high predictive positive value for both, adenoma and CRC.

TC-325 hemostatic powder in the management of upper gastrointestinal malignant bleeding: a randomized controlled trial.

Background and study aims Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) from malignancy is associated with high rebleeding and mortality rates. Recently, TC-325 powder has shown promising results in the treatment of UGIB, including malignant bleeding. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of TC-325 versus best clinical management. Patients and methods From August 2016 to February 2020, all patients with evidence of UGIB from malignancy were randomized to receive TC-325 therapy or control group, in which endoscopic treatment was not mandatory. Exclusion criteria were hemoglobin drop without overt bleeding and UGIB from non-tumor origin. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality. Secondary outcomes were 30-day rebleeding, blood transfusion and length of hospital stay. Results Sixty-two patients were randomized, three were excluded and 59 were included in the final analysis (TC-325 group = 28; control = 31). Groups were similar at baseline. Active bleeding was observed in 22 patients in the TC-325 group and 19 in the control group ( P  = 0.15). Successful initial hemostasis with TC-325 was achieved in all cases. Additional therapy (radiotherapy, surgery or arterial embolization) was equally performed in both groups (42.9 % vs 58.1 %; P  = 0.243). There were no differences in 30-day mortality (28.6 % vs. 19.4 %, P  = 0.406) or 30-day rebleeding rates (32.1 % vs. 19.4 %, P  = 0.26). Logistic regression identified no significant predictors of rebleeding. Age, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score 3 to 4 and AIMS65 score > 1 predicted greater mortality. Conclusions TC-325 was effective in achieving immediate hemostasis in malignant gastrointestinal bleeding but did not reduce 30-day mortality, 30-day rebleeding, blood transfusion or length of hospital stay. Age, ECOG 3-4, and AIMS65 > 1 were predictive factors of mortality.

THYLENETETRAHYDROFOLATE REDUCTASE GENE POLYMORPHISMS AND SUSCEPTIBILITY TO ESOPHAGEAL CANCER: A CASE-CONTROL STUDY.

BACKGROUND: The enzyme methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase is engaged in DNA synthesis through folate metabolism. Inhibiting the activity of this enzyme increases the susceptibility to mutations, and damage and aberrant DNA methylation, which alters the gene expression of tumor suppressors and proto-oncogenes, potential risk factors for esophageal cancer. AIMS: This study aimed to investigate the association between methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase 677C>T and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase 1298A>C polymorphisms and susceptibility to esophageal cancer, by assessing the distribution of genotypes and haplotypes between cases and controls, as well as to investigate the association of polymorphisms with clinical and epidemiological characteristics and survival. METHODS: A total of 109 esophageal cancer patients who underwent esophagectomy were evaluated, while 102 subjects constitute the control group. Genomic DNA was isolated from the peripheral blood buffy coat followed by amplification by polymerase chain reaction and real-time analysis. Logistic regression was used to assess associations between polymorphisms and the risk of developing esophageal cancer. RESULTS: There was no association for methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase 677C>T and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase 1298A>C polymorphisms and haplotypes, with esophageal cancer susceptibility. Esophageal cancer patients carrying methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase 677TT polymorphism had higher risk of death from the disease. For polymorphic homozygote TT genotype, the risk of death significantly increased compared to wild-type genotype methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase 677CC (reference) cases (p=0.045; RR=2.22, 95%CI 1.02-4.83). CONCLUSIONS: There was no association between methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase 677C>T and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase 1298A>C polymorphisms and esophageal cancer susceptibility risk. Polymorphic homozygote genotype methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase 677TT was associated with higher risk of death after surgical treatment for esophageal cancer.

Gastric cancer with concurrent pancreatic schwannoma: A case report.

BACKGROUND: The differential diagnosis of abdominal masses is somewhat troublesome, especially when there is a malignancy to be evaluated. We report herein a unique case of gastric adenocarcinoma concurrent with a pancreatic schwannoma. Correct assessment of intraoperative findings is essential for adequate tumor staging and to decide the proper management of a concurrent pancreatic lesion. CASE SUMMARY: Computed tomography scan performed for gastric cancer staging revealed a solid and cystic pancreatic mass that had no signs of local invasiveness. Surgical resection of the pancreas was decided preoperatively since a radical approach of the gastric tumor could be performed. There were no signs of distant metastases, and the large pancreatic mass was in contact with the posterior gastric wall. Histopathological study revealed a pancreatic schwannoma, which is an uncommon neoplasm that arises from Schwann cells around peripheral nerves. CONCLUSION: Therefore, pancreatic masses deserve special attention regarding the differential diagnosis in patients with gastric cancer. The presence of a large pancreatic mass should not preclude the potentially curative intent of the gastric cancer treatment.

SMALL BOWEL IS LARGELY AFFECTED IN BEHÇET'S DISEASE: A LONG-TERM FOLLOW-UP OF GASTROINTESTINAL SYMPTOMS.

BACKGROUND: Behçet's disease is a rare immune-mediated disorder that can affect the gastrointestinal tract. The prevalence and extension of small bowel involvement is largely unknown. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe the small bowel lesions diagnosed by double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) and to verify if these findings were associated to the presence of gastrointestinal symptoms and disease activity after long-term follow-up. METHODS: This study included 19 Behçet's disease patients who underwent DBE. After a mean follow-up of 15 years the endoscopic findings were associated to the presence of gastrointestinal symptoms, disease activity and current therapy through collection of electronic medical records. RESULTS: A total of 63.2% patients were female and the mean age was 37 years at the time of DBE. Mean disease duration at baseline was 24 years. 11 patients had no gastrointestinal symptoms and eight patients presented either abdominal pain, gastrointestinal bleeding or diarrhea. The average procedure time was 1 hour and 30 minutes and the ileum was achieved in all patients but one. Small bowel ulcers were diagnosed in 78.9%, with 63.1% of jejunal involvement. Two patients presented only small bowel edema and two were normal by DBE. Eight patients had concomitant gastric ulcers. Gastrointestinal symptoms prior to DBE were present in 36.8% of the patients and, after follow-up, all of them persisted with some of the symptoms. Bleeding was reported by three patients at baseline and persisted in only one patient. The frequency of treatment with steroids and immunomodulators was 31.6% and 57.9% at baseline, respectively, and 21% in both at the end of the follow-up. No patient was treated with biologics at the time of the DBE procedure and the current rate of biologic use is 21%. CONCLUSION: Small bowel involvement in Behçet's disease was frequently demonstrated by DBE even in asymptomatic patients. Understanding clinical evolution of the disease over the years and the impact of such diagnosis still represents a challenge, possibly with the need for novel treatment.